Comparison

RetroFTP vs MagicFTP

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

RetroFTP

Features
Read full description

RetroFTP is a retro-styled FTP client for iOS that connects to FTP servers on your local network. Transfer files between your iPhone and any device running an FTP server — including media servers, NAS drives, computers, and more. FEATURES • Connect to any FTP server on your local Wi-Fi network • Browse remote directories with a full-featured file browser • Download and upload files with real-time progress tracking • Queue multiple transfers and manage them from one place • Save connection bookmarks for quick access • Favorite frequently used directories for one-tap navigation • Search files within the current directory or recursively • Create, rename, and delete files and folders remotely • Share downloaded files directly from the app • Share files from other apps to RetroFTP for easy uploading • Sort files by name, size, or date RETRO DESIGN Built with a pixel-art aesthetic inspired by classic gaming — neon green and cyan accents, CRT scanline effects, and the Press Start 2P pixel font. A nostalgic look for managing your devices. PRO UPGRADE Unlock the full experience with a one-time purchase: • 4 concurrent transfers (free: 1 at a time) • Background transfers — switch apps without interrupting downloads • Remove all banner and interstitial ads • Unlimited bookmarks and favorites • Live Activity progress on your Lock Screen TECHNICAL DETAILS • FTP and FTPS/TLS (ports 21 and 990 by default, customizable) • Passive mode with automatic PASV IP correction • Anonymous or authenticated login • MLSD support with LIST fallback for maximum compatibility • Binary transfer mode for all file types PRIVACY FIRST All your connection data, bookmarks, and files stay on your device. The free version uses Google AdMob; tracking is requested only with your permission. Anonymous analytics via TelemetryDeck help us improve the app — they cannot identify you. RetroFTP is not affiliated with any console or device manufacturer. All product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

About

MagicFTP

This powerful client allows you to manage files and servers remotely using FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols. It offers advanced features like background sync, folder comparison, and a built-in code editor with HTML preview for efficient on-the-go management.

Highlights
  • FTP, FTPS, SFTP support
  • Secure SSH key authentication
  • Background sync and folder comparison
  • Built-in code editor with HTML preview
  • Per-server bandwidth limits
  • Direct server-to-server transfers
Features
Read full description

MagicFTP is a powerful FTP, FTPS, and SFTP client featuring a file manager, server-to-server transfers, folder compare, background sync, encrypted backups, per-server bandwidth limits, SSH key support, and a built-in code editor with HTML preview. Manage websites, servers, backups, and files directly on the go. Connect securely to FTP, FTPS, and SFTP servers, edit files directly on the host, and transfer data quickly and reliably. Built for system administrators, web developers, agencies, and power users. FTP, FTPS & SFTP * FTP, FTPS (Explicit & Implicit), and SFTP * Password and SSH key authentication * Support for passphrase-protected SSH keys * Credentials securely stored in the system Keychain * Server Groups for organizing servers in collapsible groups * Encrypted Server Backups with AES-256 export for secure migration Powerful File Manager * Upload, download, rename, move, and delete files * Create directories and change CHMOD permissions * Smooth navigation through large directory trees * Local and remote views side-by-side Fast Uploads & Downloads * Real-time progress and speed indicators * Transfer queue with cancel and retry * Large file support * Resume support for interrupted transfers Power Transfer Speed up transfers with multiple parallel uploads and downloads. * Up to 10 simultaneous transfers * Adjustable parallel slots * Higher throughput for large file sets * Ideal for backups, media libraries, and large projects Bandwidth Limits Limit upload and download speed individually for every server. * Per-server upload and download throttling * Units in KB/s or MB/s * Empty field means unlimited * Ideal for mobile connections, shared bandwidth, or AWS traffic costs Direct Server-to-Server Transfers Move files directly between two servers without routing data through your device. * Cross-protocol transfers between FTP, FTPS, and SFTP * Ideal for website migrations, hosting changes, and backups Folder Compare Compare folders between servers and synchronize only the files you want. * Recursive directory comparison * Visual difference view * Difference detection by size, date, or both * Filters and bulk selection * Selective synchronization * Ideal for deployments, backup verification, and server migrations Background Sync Create sync profiles with automatic transfers. * Upload or download direction per profile * Runs through background tasks * Manual Sync Now available anytime * Automatic removal of deleted files Built-in Code Editor Edit files directly on the server. Supports: PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSON, XML, YAML, SQL, and TXT. HTML Preview Preview web pages directly inside the app. Multiple Active Sessions Maintain multiple simultaneous connections with fast switching and a central session overview. Security & Privacy * Face ID and Touch ID protection * Sensitive data stored securely in the system Keychain * No data collection * No advertisements * No trackers Bookmarks Access frequently used directories with a single tap. MagicFTP Free includes up to 3 servers and 2 active sessions. A one-time in-app purchase unlocks Pro and adds: * Unlimited servers * Unlimited active sessions * Server-to-server transfers * Folder Compare * Bandwidth limits * Encrypted backups * Code editor with save-to-server support * Auto-sync profiles Supported Protocols FTP FTPS (Explicit & Implicit) SFTP MagicFTP combines an FTP client, FTPS client, SFTP client, file manager, folder comparison, file synchronization, server-to-server transfers, encrypted backups, and a code editor in one powerful app.

Screenshots

RetroFTP4 screens
MagicFTP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: MagicFTP at none against RetroFTP's shown. RetroFTP's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.5). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. RetroFTP sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and MagicFTP sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
RetroFTP versus MagicFTP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRetroFTPMagicFTP
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequency—Every 2 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.5
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJacob BurnsFatih Yesilbas

In-app purchases

1 purchases

RetroFTP

One-time1
  • RetroFTP Pro$4.99
1 purchases

MagicFTP

One-time1
  • MagicFTP Pro Lifetime2 variants$3.99

Questions

Is RetroFTP free?
RetroFTP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MagicFTP free?
MagicFTP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do RetroFTP or MagicFTP have ads?
RetroFTP shows ads; MagicFTP does not.

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